Comparison L3800 vs. L3540

[FrankieO]

New to the forum and buying my first tractor, so this newbie could use some advice...

Think I have it narrowed down to the 2 models listed above--looking at about a $2800 upgrade for the Grand L3540. The 3800 would suit my needs fine, but for the extra $ I like the add'l capabilities of the 3540 plus the creature comforts.

Suggestions? I have gathered that the 3540 is more refined--particularly @ the 3pt (smooth vs. jerky 3800). Anybody have anything against the 3540?

Thanks!

 

[nybirdman]

I owned a L3130(replaced by the L3240),currently own a L4240HSTC...buy the L3540 ,very nice machine.I just got off a B7800, a nice machine but bare bones compared to the Grand L's.

 

[TripleR]

No doubt the L3800 is a good basic, reasonably priced tractor, but I prefer the Grand L for the HST+, flat operator platform which is easier for me to get on and off, more comfortable seat, tilt steering, protected tie rods, optional mid PTO, extendable arms on the 3PH and some others I am sure I am overlooking.

 

[kuboman]

If you can afford it buy the GL. Much nicer tractor to operated and in my opinion a better machine than the standard L. It does have added electronic complication but they have proven to be quite reliable.

 

[teg]

Over the life of the tractor, $2,800 will be money well spent!

 

[caspar3259]

Of course I'd vote for the L3540! I had already made up my mind when the dealer showed me something that I had not read in the literature.

He started the L3540 I had purchased and told me to note how loud it was and how it sounded. He shut it off and walked over to an L3800 and started it. It was way more noisy than the L3540 and it had more vibration too. Then he drove the L3800 back and forth a few feet to show me how the HST on it whines.

When I was doing my research I too thought the Grand-L was just a step up in creature comforts... but now that I have one I see it's just a better machine all around and I'm glad I went with the Grand-L.

If at all possible, I would recommend you try both: sit in them, start them, drive them and see.

Another way to look at it: it's like upgrading from a FORD to a BMW for $2800.

 

[teg]

...He started the L3540 I had purchased and told me to note how loud it was and how it sounded. He shut it off and walked over to an L3800 and started it. It was way more noisy than the L3540 and it had more vibration too. Then he drove the L3800 back and forth a few feet to show me how the HST on it whines...

Awe, man... you don't have to rub it in :laughing: Take your time!!! I bought after a knee jerk reaction. I'm happy with what I got but would have been happier spending a few more bucks.

 

[k0ua]

I have the L3400HST and its a good tractor,, but if it was only $2800 to me that's a "no brainer" get the Grand L. It has a LOT of nice features and worthwhile improvements. I would say you are getting a very good deal on the Grand L if that is all the diffference there is in price.

James K0UA

 

[Verticaltrx]

One other thing to note is the physical size difference. Not sure if it would be beneficial or not, but the grand L is a lot bigger than the L3800. Size wise the L3540 is the same size as the L4400, just with smaller tires (in some varieties). Also weighs the same as an L4400. The L3800 is physically about the same size as the large B-series.

Not sure if you are also looking for a loader, but the two loader options on the grand L are quite a bit more robust than the standard L.

 

[arsenix2001]

Of course I'd vote for the L3540! I had already made up my mind when the dealer showed me something that I had not read in the literature.

He started the L3540 I had purchased and told me to note how loud it was and how it sounded. He shut it off and walked over to an L3800 and started it. It was way more noisy than the L3540 and it had more vibration too. Then he drove the L3800 back and forth a few feet to show me how the HST on it whines.

When I was doing my research I too thought the Grand-L was just a step up in creature comforts... but now that I have one I see it's just a better machine all around and I'm glad I went with the Grand-L.

If at all possible, I would recommend you try both: sit in them, start them, drive them and see.

Another way to look at it: it's like upgrading from a FORD to a BMW for $2800.

Ill take my ford over a bimmer anyday buddy!

 

[crazyal]

I've never regretted spending the extra money for the Grand L over a 4400. The GL's are just real nice tractors.

 

[FrankieO]

I greatly appreciate all the advice. Got the Grand L--it was a model that had been sitting on the lot for a bit and the dealer was much more flexible with it than the 3800. Had it down to 2 dealers, one had a 2010 L3700SU and the other had the L3540. Came down to $2200 difference, which was a no brainer. Came with the LA724 loader & 72" bucket--VERY happy I upgraded, expecially when spreading it out over 60 mos @ 0%.

Drove the 3700--probably would have been fine for me, but wasn't as refined as the 3540--at least as refined as a tractor gets. Plus the 3 pt was REAL jerky, as I had been warned on this forum. Dealer said it just needed to be broken in, which I knew was BS. That kinda broke my interest in dealing with him, so went down the road and got the GL. Thanks again for all the advice--hoping this pic uploads.

 

[teg]

:thumbsup: :cloud9:

 

[k0ua]

You absolutly made the right choice, looks great, and congrats.

James K0UA

 

[TripleR]

You are going to like it more every time you use it.:thumbsup:

 

[claridon]

:thumbsup: Outstanding and congratulations! :thumbsup:
My L3540 has never failed to impress me everytime I use it.
-Len

 

[kuboman]

:licking:Really sweat ride:thumbsup:You will loveit:licking:

 

[unfinished]

Nice tractor! How'd you pull off a $2200 price difference??? Some more details please. What year is 3540 and it has 0 hrs? I thought the difference was typically 5-6k or so even between the L3700/L3800 and the 3240 let alone the 3540.

Edit: sorry, I see you said the 3540 had been sitting on the lot for a while. But still that is a great deal.

 

[FrankieO]

Probably more info than you want, but here goes...

Basically, I was negotiating with 2 dealers on 2 different tractors to get the best deal. I was looking to buy a tractor & a 72" 3pt finish mower and trade in my '97 Grasshopper ZTR w/21hp Kubota diesel that had 2000+ hours.

Both dealers had 0 hour-brand-new tractors that were 2010 models, which is where I thought I would get my best deal. Both tractors had 4wd, foldable ROPS, FEL, SSQA buckets, & R4 tires.

Dealer 1 had a L3700SU with a hydrostat. I saw the 3700 & 3800 as being identical other than cosmetic changes. It had the lighter FEL (LA463) & 60" bucket. Drove it--liked it except for the operation of the 3pt--like I stated earlier, it was VERY jerky, which apparently is a known issue. They had a Land Pride 72" finish mower(2572 model I believe) to complete the package. When it came down to it, I thought his price was high and felt unsettled about the 3pt--I knew it would irritate me.

Drove down to Dealer 2 with the Grand L3540 at that point. The difference was this one had the glide-shift rather than a hydro, and the mower was a Woods RD72 with roller & chain package. The FEL was the heavier one offered (LA724) with a 72" bucket. The way I looked at it, I would gladly give up the hydro to get all the add'l features of the GL. Plus the 3pt was smooth as a baby's butt, which is what it should be IMHO.

I also happened to like the Woods mower better than the Land Pride, but I'm sure they are of equal quality/value--just my preference...

With trade and the finish mowers included, the difference in price that I was able to negotiate between the two packages was $2200. Dealer 2 was more willing to negotiate, gave me more for my trade, and I just enjoyed working with them more. Dealer 1 had the advantage of being about 45 minutes closer, so all things being equal I would have given him the business. However, I'm glad things worked out the way they did, and I haven't had a second of buyer's remorse over spending a bit more to get the GL. Now I'm just waiting for the mower to arrive so they can deliver the package. More pictures to follow once its in my grubby little hands...

 

[moored4]

You are going to really like your new :tractor:3540! The only problem I have with mine is I went from a L245 to the 3540 and now I back into things, trees, broken off a couple fencepost, and stuff cause of the size deferents. It just needs more room to turn in, once you get used to that IT'S A SWEET RIDE!:cool2: